Psoriderm cream

How does it work?

Coal tar has been used in skin conditions for hundreds of years,
but it is still not fully understood how it works, mainly because it is made up
of so many different compounds.

Coal tar has mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, and
relieves itching. It is also absorbed into the skin cells and is thought to
inhibit DNA replication in these cells. This slows down cell division and stops
the cells from multiplying excessively. In turn, this reduces the thickening
and scaling of the skin and clears up psoriasis plaques.

Coal tar may also work by breaking down keratin, a protein that
forms part of the skin structure. This helps the skin cells shed from the
treated area, thus reducing the thickening and scaling of the psoriasis
plaques.

Lecithin is a phospholipid that is included in this medicine to
soften psoriasis scales and enhance the absorption of the coal tar into the
skin cells.

Psoriderm cream is used to treat subacute and chronic
(long-term) psoriasis, including psoriasis affecting the scalp and flexures, eg
at the elbows, knees or wrists.

The cream should be applied to the affected areas of skin or
scalp once or twice daily, or as directed by your doctor.

What is it used for?

Subacute and chronic (long-term)
psoriasis, including
psoriasis affecting the scalp and flexures, eg at the elbows, knees or
wrists.

Warning!

This medicine is for external use on the skin only.

Avoid getting the cream in contact with the eyes, mouth, inside
of the nose, and genital or rectal areas. Rinse with cold water if accidental
contact occurs.

Do not apply the cream to broken, inflamed or infected areas of
skin.

Wash your hands after applying this medicine to avoid
accidentally transfering it to other areas.

If skin irritation or acne-like eruptions occur, stop using
this cream and consult your doctor.

This cream may stain skin, hair or fabric.

Coal tar increases the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. You
should avoid exposing the skin to direct sunlight after applying this
medicine.

Not to be used in

Sore, inflamed psoriasis

Infected or broken areas of skin

Variant of psoriasis where blisters or pustules containing
fluid appear on the skin (pustular psoriasis)

Severe psoriasis, with a rapid onset and short duration (acute
psoriasis).

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or
any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
previously experienced such an
allergy.

If you feel you have
experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your
doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or
breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or
breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the
unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a
pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not known to have any harmful effects when
used during pregnancy. However, as with all medicines, it should only be used
on the advice of a doctor, particularly during the first trimester.

This medicine is not known to have any harmful effects when
used by breastfeeding mothers. However, as with all medicines, it should only
be used on the advice of a doctor. If you are breastfeeding, avoid applying the
cream on or near the breasts before giving a feed, to avoid the baby
accidentally ingesting it.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual
people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are
known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated
here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that
or any side effect.

Skin irritation

Acne-like eruptions

Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side
effects reported by the drug's
manufacturer.

For more
information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine,
please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor
or pharmacist.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.